Motorboat with fuel explodes off Biliran town

TACLOBAN CITY — A motorized banca went up in flames on Tuesday, April 25, after a container filled with gasoline fell and hit its engine while traveling off Barangay Atipolo, Naval town, Biliran.

MB Jian subsequently exploded and submerged in the sea.

A report from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Naval showed that MB Jian was on its way to Calubian, Leyte when it caught fire at 3:46 p.m.

The motorized boat loaded with 100 liters of gasoline and 20 liters of diesel was manned by Anthony Servallos, 38, and Danny Boy Macapinig, 26, both residents of Barangay Agas, Calubian town.

The PCG in Naval said a container filled with gasoline fell down and hit the motorboat engine which resulted in a fire.

The motorboat capsized as a result of the explosion.

Both Servallos and Macapinig were unharmed after they jumped into the sea.

The PCG in Naval went to the area and rescued the two passengers with the help of a pump boat from the local government.

There was no oil spill in the area after the incident.

lzb